Power press with shiftable bolster means



June 14, 1960 F. E. MUNSCHAUER, JR, ET AL POWER PRESS WITH SHIFTABLE BOLSTEIR MEANS Filed April 3. 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent P POWER PRESS WITH SHIFTABLE BOLSTER MEANS Frederick E. Munschauer, In, and George E. Munschauer, Eggertsville, N.Y., assignors to Niagara Machine & Tool Works, Bufialo, N.Y.

Filed Apr. 3, 1959, Ser. No. 803,921

8 Claims. (Cl. IMF-214) This invention relates to power presses and more particularly to a novel apparatus for introducing and removing die sets from such presses.

' Stated in most general terms, the present invention provides a bolster plate arrangement such that the bolster may be shifted laterally from a position where it is disposed upon the bed of the press to a position offset therefrom. In this novel construction a pair of interconnected bolsters are preferably provided so that one of them is normally in working position on the bed of the press while the other is in an offset lateral position at one side of the press or the other, with means for reversing the respective positions of the bolsters by joint longitudinal movement thereof. 1

By virtue of this arrangement a die set may be introduced to or removed from the laterally offset bolster or bolster portion while another die set is in working relationship with respect to the power press. This arrangement greatly reduces the so-called downtime of a press normally encountered in changing die sets and is of inestimable value in cases where moderately frequent die changes are encountered.

' Furthermore, with the bolster or bolster portion upon which the die set is to be mounted in an ofiset lateral position, a clear overhead space is afiorded whereby a" crane or hoist has free access to the bolster for depositing a die set thereon or removing the same therefrom. In the arrangement of the present invention the supporting means for the laterally offset bolster portions are rigidly associated with the die-receiving bed of the press and accordingly the principles of the present invention are of particular advantage in inclinable presses.

Since the idle bolster or bolster portion is automatically disposed at the same angle of inclination as the bed of the A single complete embodiment of the principles of'the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the following specification. However, it is to be understood that such embodiment is set forth by way of example and that the spirit and scope of the invention is not limited to the form thus shown nor otherwise than as defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the bed portion of a power press equipped with one form of the sliding bolster of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the trated in Fig. 1;

structure illus- Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2 looking toward the bed of the press;

Fig; 4 is a cross sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig; 2 looking toward bed; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view on the line 5-'5 of Fig. 2, shown on a somewhat enlarged scale.

One form of the apparatus of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in conjunction with a conventional power press of the open-back inclinable type and in the drawings the numeral 10 designates the bed of such a press and'the numerals 11 and 12 designate lower extensions ofthe bed proper which pivot the frame of the press to a pair of feet or leg members 13 and 14 in a manner which is conventional and well known.

To provide for the lateral movement of the bolster means which is the gist of the present invention, the conventional bed of the power press is provided with relatively fixed lateral extensions designated generally by the respectively.

The table and end wall portions are reinforced by front and rear depending wall members, the former being designated 23 and 24, respectively, and the'latter being indi cated at 25 in Fig. 5. Additional reinforcement is pro' vided by transverse rib or wall members designated 29 and 30 in the case of lateral extension 16, and 31 and 32 in the case of lateral extension 17. In the illustrated instance these various structural components, that is the table portions, the inner end wall portions, the front and rear wall members and the transverse ribsor walls, areall Welded into unitary extension structures which in turnare fixed rigidly to the inclinable portion of the power press or, more particularly, to the press bed.

Fig. 4 shows the left -hand'extension 16 and the means provldedfor mounting the same against the depending side member 11 of the bed of the press. A pair of front and rear spacer. blocks 35 and 36 are disposed between the inner wall portion 20 of extension 16 and the member 11 of the bed of the press, and screws 37 pass through such inner wall portion 20 and the spacer blocks 35 and 36 and thread into the bed member 11. Thus the top surfaces of the table portions 18 and 19 of the extensions 16 and 17 are rigidly coplanar with the top surface of bed member 10 and move therewith during various inclining movements of the press frame.

conventionally, a bolster plate is attached to the bed position on the bed of the press by joint horizontal slid As shown in Fig. 1,

ing movement of the bolster plates. a pair of bolster plates 40 and 41 are disposed in generally end to end relation. In the position illustrated in Fig. l

the left-hand bolster 40 is disposed upon the extension 16 and the right-hand bolster 41 is disposed tion on the bed of the press.

Theoretically a single elongated bolster plate of the" approximate length of the two bolsters 40 and 41 might be employed, but the operating bolster plate must rest firmly and securely on the bed of the press and is subjectedto severe impact forces in normal operation. A pair of articulated bolster plates are thus provided so that the operating bolster plate is entirely free to seat flat upon the bed of the press and to receive the impact forces Patented June 14, 1960 the left hand extension of the press.

in working posiincident to dieoperations without transfer thereof to the 7 other bolster plate. a

, Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the proximate edges of the bolster plates 40 and 41 areiprovided withbrackets 4& having projecting lugs whichf-are pivotally interconnected by links 45.- Thus the bolster plateslfi'andl l i move =liorizontally in unison but are new tilt slightly out of plane relativeto each other and adjust their relative horizontal planes without restriction and therefore 1 deflections of the operating bolster plate are not transmittedfto the'other bolster-plate; within normal limits of operation 3 7 The bolster plates 40 and 41 are guidedfor lateral horizontal sliding movement on the bed of thepress and V the extensions-16- and 17-by-frout and-rear'T-barsldand 49 which extend jointly along the bed of thepress and the surfaeesof theextensions :IGJ-and 17. -While designated bysingl'e' reference numerals eachof the F -bars 48 and 49 will normally comprise-"end to end sections so that separate sections thereof, are attached to the 'bed- 10 cf the'press and to the two extensions -16 and17'.,

V The under sides 'of the bolsterplates): and 41 are 7 providedwith iT-slots foraeceiving' the T-bars'48 and 49 and it will be notedfrom Fig. 4 that the locating and guiding surfaces are the narrow or neclcportions of the T slo tsandthe-iunder surfaces of the top flanges of the T-bars The T-bars 48Vand 49 are secured 'tothe bed and extension surfaces by screws 51 and are located accurately therealong by means of" keys 52. Inthe illustrated instance only; the rear T-bars 49 are keyed to the bed and'e'xtensions 16 and 17 although both T-bar's' maybe-keyed if desired.- a

" Front and rear channels55 and-SG-are provided along" the undersides of the bolster plates 40-and4l for receiv ing hydraulic piston and cylinder means for reciprocating 2,940,384 I .i g i 73 and 74 are lowered to release them from locating engagementwith respect to a bolster plate 40 or 41.

Pressure fluid to passage 82 is supplied from the same source as the operating pressure for cylinders 57 and 58 and a conventoinal sequence valve is employed so that the guide pins 73 and 74 release automatically just prior 7 to shifting movements ofitlieiblster's by the operation of r the cylinders Slandfifland areraised autouiaucally at i the conclusion of'sucli shiftingmovemeuts' by the cutting oifof fluid pressure, whereupon the guide pins 73 and 74 are again raised: under the iriipetusgiotthe 7.5

and76; v i

Plates 85 fixed to the rear edges ofbolsters-w and41 roject upwardly :therefrom to provide ledges against which die sets may rest temporarily when placed thereon with the press frame infan-inclinedaposition.

We claimi 1. In an inclinable power press, basemeans and a press frame pivoted thereto for rearwardzginclmat on thereof, said pivoted frame includinga die-receivingibfld and a pair of lateral extension: portions the .191)?! surfaces of the bed andvv the'lateral exten ion portions 7 substantially coplanar, bolster plate means adapted tobe a supported on said bedzand'said lateral extension portions,

said b'olster plate, means being adapted to receive a pair of die. sets thereon whereby one ofsaid diesets may be. in working'position', over saidbed whilethe other. is disposed above one of said lateral extensionportions, guide rail means acting between said bolster plate means an said bed and extension portionsguiding said. bolster plate means for'linear movement laterally'of said. press, power means acting upon said bolster plate means-for moving the same linearly between limit positions to dispose either end thereof on said bedlwith'theother end thereof onions the bolster plates 'selectively to' and-from operating'posi- V V tions on the bed of" thepress; Hydraulic: cylinders 57' and'58' are disposed intliefchannels SSan dSG and the closed ends of such eylinde rs are pivoted to lugs 59 and" 60, respectively, lwhich are secured to the top 'surfa'ce of extension 16 as at 61' and'62, respectively, in'Fig. 1

Piston rods 64and 6 5'respectively extendfrom theoppor site ends of the cylinders 57and, 58 andf'are pivotally attached to the bolster plate 41 by 'means'of' serewsnfi and 67, respectively:

7 'As illustrated in the'drawings, the piston and cylinderi assemblies are initheir contracted positions. "Applica-i tion of hydraulic fluid pressure to expand the'sa'me pro- -jects the piston'rods- 64 and 65 to the rightas viewed' in Figs. 1 and 2 and thus movesthe interconnected bolster plates 40- and 41 to the right to slide bolster plate 41 to an idle position on extension 17 andisimultaneously slide a the bolster plate 4010' operating position on the bed 10 of the press, 7 V 7 Means in thenature of dowel pins are provided'nfor accurately locating the bolster'platesselectively in predeterminedjposition on the'bed '10 of the press. Such means is designated generally by the numeral 70 in Fig. 2 and is shown in detail in Fig. 5. As shown in the latter figure, a block 71 isattached to the underside 'ofthe bed 10 of the press and-Va pair of vertically 'movable guide pins 73..and 74*aredisposed therein.

'Theguide pins 73- and 74' are normally urgedto'their illustrated upper. positions byisprings75 and 76,- respe'c V tively, and in, such positions engage'registeringopeningsv in the undersides of oneor, theiother of the bolster plates of the other of said lateral extensiom portions; and locab ing meansiopbrable automatically upon arrival oli said. bolster plates at either limit" position; to: engage between; said bed and :the bolster: plate dispo'sedatheromtol. to the latter accurately relative'ito the former.; i,

2. In an inclinable power press base, means and. a press frame pivoted thereto for rearward inclination thereof, said: pivoted frame including a die receivingibed and a pair Of: lateral extensiornportions with the upper surfaces of 'the beds'and the-lateral extensionpo fions substantially coplanar, bolster plate; means adapted tobe supported on saidbed and said lateral extension portions; said'bolster plate: meansnbe'ing 'adapted to: receive. a pair of die setsthereon wherebyone ofisaid die sets maybein: workingiposition over said bed while'the otherisdis- V posed above one of said lateral; extension portions, means acting" between said bolster plate'zmeans and said bed; and

extension portions, guidinglsaidi bolsten plate means; for

- linear movement laterally of said: press, andlocating means op'e rahle automaticallyt'upon arrival of said bolster plates :at'eitherlimit positionvto 'en'gageibetween said-bedand the'bol'ster plate disposed thereon to locateithe latter 7 accurately relativetothe'former. Y

i 3. In an inclinable power :press; *base means and: a

" press frame pivoted the'reto'for rearward. inclination thereof, saidpivoted frameiincluding a' die receivingbed and a.

pair of :lateral extension portions with the? upper surfaces V to. the bed andithe lateral extension. portions'suhstana. tially coplanar, a pair'of bolsteriplates disposed inend to' end relation and adaptedfto :be supported Yon saidrhed 40 and '41, thus engaging whichever bolster plate. has been: Q

and said lateral extension portions, an 'articulated connection between said bolster plates for 1 joint 'horiiontal movement'the'reof, saidc'onnect'ion permitting limited; relative: planar adjusting movement "ofisaidzbolster plates,

' said bolster plates being adapted to receive a pair ofizdie sets thereon whereby one of said diesels ma be. in working 'p'ositionzover saidbed while 'th'e'other is? disposed above-one, of sai'dila teral extension portions; guide-rail: means acting between said bolster plates andsaidbcdand extensioaportions, gu ding said bolster plates for linear movement laterally of said press, power meansacting upon.

said bolster plates for moving the same linearly between limit positions to dispose either bolster plate on said bed with the other on one of the other of said lateral extension portions, and locating means operable automatically upon arrival of said bolster plates at either limit position to engage between said bed and the bolster plate disposed thereon to locate the latter accurately relative to the former.

4. In an inclinable power press, base means and a press frame pivoted thereto for rearward inclination thereof, said pivoted frame including a die receiving bed and a pair of lateral extension portions with the upper surfaces of the bed and the lateral extension portions substantially coplanar, a pair of bolster plates disposed in end to end relation and adapted to be supported on said bed and said lateral extension portions, an articulated connection between said bolster plates for joint horizontal movement thereof, said connection permitting limited relative planar adjusting movement of said bolster plates, said bolster plates being adapted to receive a pair of die sets thereon whereby one of said die sets may be in working position over said bed while the other is disposed above one of said lateral extension portions, means acting between said bolster plates and saids bed and extension portions guiding said bolster plates for linear movement laterally of said press, and locating means operable upon arrival of said bolster plates at either limit position to engage between said bed and the bolster plate disposed thereon to locate the latter accurately relative to the former.

5. In a power press, a die receiving bed, a pair of lateral extension members fixed to opposite sides of said bed and having their upper surfaces coplanar therewith to form lateral continuations of the upper surface of said bed, a pair of bolster plates disposed in end to end relation and adapted to be supported on said bed and said lateral extensions, an articulated connection between said bolster plates for joint horizontal movement thereof, said connection permitting limited relative planar adjusting movement of said bolster plates, said bolster plates being adapted to receive a pair of die sets thereon whereby one of said die sets may be in working position over said bed while the other is disposed above one of said lateral extensions, guide rail means acting between said bolster plates and said bed and extension members guiding said bolster plates for linear movement laterally of said press, power means acting upon said bolster plates for moving the same linearly between limit positions to dispose either bolster plate on said bed with the other on one of the other of said lateral extensions, and locating means operable automatically upon arrival of said bolster plates at either limit position to engage between said bed and the bolster plate disposed thereon to locate the latter accurately relative to the former.

6. In a power press, a die receiving bed, a pair of lateral extension members fixed to opposite sides of said bed and having their upper surfaces coplanar therewith to form lateral continuations of the upper surface of said bed, a pair of bolster plates disposed in end to end relation and adapted to be supported on said bed and said lateral extensions, an articulated connection between said bolster plates for joint horizontal movement thereof,

said connection permitting limited relative planar adjusting movement of said bolster plates, said bolster plates being adapted to receive a pair of die sets thereon whereby one of said die sets may be in working position over said bed while the other is disposed above one of said lateral extensions, means acting between said bolster plates and said bed and extension members guiding said bolster plates for linear movement laterally of said press, and locating means operable upon arrival of said bolster plates at either limit position to engage between said bed and the bolster plate disposed thereon to locate the latter accurately relative to the former.

7. In a power press, a die receiving bed, a pair of lateral extension members fixed to opposite sides of said bed and having their upper surfaces coplanar therewith to form lateral continuations of the upper surface of said bed, bolster plate means adapted to be partially supported on said bed with a further portion thereof supported on one of said lateral extensions, said bolster plate means being adapted to receive a pair of die sets thereon whereby one of said die sets may be in working position over said bed while the other is disposed above one of said lateral extensions, means acting between said bolster plate means and said bed and extension members guiding said bolster plate means for linear movement laterally of said press, power means acting upon said bolster plate means for moving the same linearly between limit positions to dispose either end thereof on said bed with the other end thereof on one of the other of said lateral extensions, and locating means operable automatically upon arrival of said bolster plate means at either limit position to engage between said bed and said bolster plate means to locate the latter accurately and rigidly relative to the bed.

8. In a power press, a die receiving bed, a pair of lateral extension members fixed to opposite sides of said bed and having their upper surfaces coplanar therewith to form lateral continuations of the upper surface of said bed, bolster plate means adapted to be partially supported on said bed with a further portion thereof supported on one of said lateral extensions, said bolster plate means being adapted to receive a pair of die sets thereon whereby one of said die sets may be in working position over said bed while the other is disposed above one of said lateral extensions, means acting between said bolster plate means and said bed and extension members guiding said bolster plate means for linear movement laterally of said press, and locating means operable automatically upon arrival of said bolster plate means at either limit position to engage between said bed and said bolster plate means to dispose the latter accurately and rigidly relative to the former.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 415,126 Root Nov. 12, 1889 769,955 Osswald Sept. 13, 1904 2,241,344 Graham May 6, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS 678,935 Germany July 25, 1939 

